Former Maine U.S. Senate candidate Steve Woods' announcement today makes him the first declared candidate for governor in the 2014 race.

YARMOUTH, Maine (AP) _ A former independent U.S. Senate candidate in Maine says he's rejoined the Democratic Party and plans to run for governor.

Woods' announcement on Thursday makes him the first declared candidate for governor in the 2014. Republican Gov. Paul LePage already formed a re-election committee but hasn't announced whether he'll seek a second term. That decision isn't expected for another year or so.

Woods, whose Senate campaign never gained traction, said he used to be a Democrat before moving to Maine and has decided to rejoin because his beliefs remain aligned with Democrats.

The Yarmouth businessman and Town Council chairman said he decided to announce his gubernatorial bid because he didn't want to be "coy'' about his political ambitions.